ROCKVILLE, Md. - Nearly two dozen children have new families Friday night thanks to a "mass adoption" ceremony held in Montgomery County (web | news) .

Private adoptions occur every day but once a year to mark National Adoption Day, it's a public celebration. Friday, 22 children officially joined families, including four very special sisters.

After years as their step and then foster mother, Chelsea Hayes is adopting four sisters, ages 10 to 15, to join her son Kevin. She'd married their father, an abusive relationship that ended in 2006. He's now serving 10 years in prison for it.

Now, Hayes wants them to be a real family

"They're awesome. They're good kids," said Hayes.

At the courthouse in Rockville, it all came together for 22 children in a public ceremony. One by one the families went up and the orders were read. The tears came freely. Then, it was the Hayes' turn.

"Hereby is declared the legally adopted child of Chelsea Ann Elizabeth Hayes," said the judge.

Finally, the dream came true.

Montgomery County currently has 560 children in foster care, so the need for families who will adopt is great.

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